Dear Lara & Ian

 

A romantic couple wearing light-colored clothing share intimate kisses in a series of outdoor sunset photos.

Some weddings feel like the end of an era and the beginning of something truly magical—and yours was both.

Your day at Bloemendal 360 was the very last wedding the venue hosted before closing its doors, and what a way to go out. With panoramic views of Table Mountain, the golden sunset pouring over the hills, and your love lighting up the space, it honestly couldn’t have been more perfect.

Lara, from the moment we first chatted, your warmth, creativity, and incredible organisational skills were so evident. (Those handmade virtual booking cards? I still smile thinking about them.) On the day, you were a vision—laughing, relaxed, completely soaking in every moment. You made it look effortless.

Ian, you’re a true gem. From your childhood friends standing proudly by your side, to the way you looked out for your lovely mum, Francis, throughout the day—you radiated kindness. Your quiet jokes and cheeky smiles said everything we needed to know about how much fun you were having.

And the two of you together? You’re just… magic. So easy to work with, so visibly connected. Watching you two interact felt like witnessing the kind of love that’s rooted deep and grows wild.

The details of the day were thoughtful and timeless—tasteful decor, a cake adorned with hand-piped proteas, and even a round of Trivial Pursuit that brought out some competitive spirit and lots of laughs. But more than anything, what stood out was the overwhelming love that poured from your guests. It was felt in every corner of that venue.

Lara & Ian, thank you for trusting me to capture a day so full of meaning, laughter, and undeniable joy. It was an honour to be there for the final chapter of Bloemendal 360—and the beautiful beginning of your next one.


With all my love,

Gemma Rainn


THE DECOR

Modern rustic event venue interior with high wood beam ceiling, stone fireplace, and panoramic windows overlooking scenic views.
Elegant wedding table setting with glass plates, eucalyptus garland and candles on wooden rustic table.
Elegant sage green wedding welcome sign with eucalyptus leaves and gold heart detail shown in natural window light.
Two-tier white wedding cake decorated with protea flowers and pink blooms on wooden cupcake tower with Mr & Mrs topper.
Long rustic wooden tables set for an elegant wedding reception with wine barrel decor and large windows overlooking countryside.
A vintage glass mason jar sits on a wooden shelf with soft sunlight filtering through, creating a warm ambiance.
Scenic mountain landscape viewed through a window at sunset with blurred decor elements in the foreground.
Elegant place setting on wooden table with crystal plate, cutlery, and decorative napkin under greenery garland.

IN THE BRIDAL SUITE

Four hands hold customized white tumblers while toasting during a wedding celebration.
Elegant white bridal sandals with wedding rings displayed among white roses and eucalyptus leaves.
White wedding shoes and lace garter with antique key displayed on terracotta surface for bridal details photography.
A white wedding dress hangs elegantly in a doorway against a wooden floor and dark neutral walls.
Black and white candid photo showing people getting ready in a room with a mirror and air conditioning unit visible.
Close up photos show a collection of delicate pearl and crystal drop earrings in elegant designs against gray backgrounds.
Black and white mirror reflection showing woman in lace detailed wedding gown with wavy blonde hair being styled.
Close-up shots show a bride in white lace dress putting on pearl earrings before her wedding ceremony.
A bride in a white lace wedding dress with blonde curled hair sprays perfume while looking serene with eyes closed.
A bride in a lace wedding dress holds a stunning bouquet of white flowers and eucalyptus leaves on her wedding day.
Bridesmaids in sage green dresses smile together while holding white floral bouquets in a sunny outdoor setting.
A bridal party in sage green dresses holds bouquets of white and green flowers in front of their faces outdoors.
Four bridesmaids in olive green and white dresses hold bouquets while standing in front of autumn vineyard at sunset.
A group stands together on a lawn in front of autumn vineyards wearing elegant sage green and white dresses for a wedding.
Multiple views of a flowing white wedding gown photographed against rustic cobblestones and autumn trees.
A person in a flowing white wedding dress spins gracefully on a sunlit path lined with autumn trees.
Beautiful bride wearing lace wedding dress poses with eucalyptus and white rose bouquet against autumn vineyard backdrop.

THE GENTLEMEN

A man in a white shirt stands in front of a vintage telephone switchboard examining equipment in black and white.
Someone adjusts a mint green bowtie while standing in front of a wall of wine bottles.
A man in a white dress shirt and polka dot tie looks away while touching the back of his neck.
Wedding guest in light beige suit gives a playful pose while standing in front of a wine cellar wall.
A wooden wedding garment hanger with 'Fan Groom' text engraved on light wood against brown leather and fabric.
A group of men stand at a bar counter in coordinated outfits of white shirts and khaki pants with brown belts.
A person wearing a light beige suit and tie leans casually against a bar with wine bottles and glassware displayed behind them.
Stylishly dressed person in light beige suit dancing and celebrating at a bar with bottles and glassware displayed.
A person in a light colored suit leans casually against a bar counter with wine glasses and bottles displayed behind them.
Three men in casual attire hold up their drinks while smiling in a black and white candid photograph.
A person in a light suit sits at a wooden bar counter and sips from a copper mug near bottles and glassware.

THE I DO'S

Three people in a bright sunlit room with one in a gown getting help adjusting their dress.
Wedding guests share joyful laughter together during an indoor reception celebration.
A series of five black and white wedding reception photos showing guests, dancing, and party moments.
A guest at a wedding ceremony wearing a tan suit and floral tie laughs joyfully near an exit sign.
A couple smiles while surrounded by wedding guests in an elegant indoor venue with warm lighting.
A unique panoramic sequence shows changing views of the San Francisco Bay Bridge at sunset through high-rise windows.
A handwritten note hangs from a window in a crowded restaurant, with blurred diners visible in black and white.
A wedding ceremony taking place in a modern venue with floor-to-ceiling windows and rows of seated guests viewing the ceremony.
A young child in suspenders walks down an aisle at an indoor event while guests in formal attire watch from both sides.
Couple performs unity candle ceremony with white candles on rustic wooden barrel during outdoor wedding ceremony.
Romantic wedding couple shares a dip-style kiss in front of large windows overlooking mountainous landscape.
Wedding guests share heartfelt laughter during an intimate indoor reception with soft window lighting and white floral decor.

THE NELS

 

A couple shares an intimate moment in golden light among vineyard rows against a backdrop of rolling hills at sunset.
A couple shares a romantic embrace at sunset in a vineyard with golden sunlight illuminating the scene.
A couple shares a romantic moment during sunset, laughing together in their wedding attire.
A couple walks together through a scenic vineyard at sunset with golden light illuminating the rolling hills and grapevines.
Panoramic view of rolling hills and valleys with scattered trees against a dusky sky in a rural landscape.
Two figures stand on a winding path through golden fields with hills and a tree silhouetted against an overcast sky.
A person riding a bike on a dirt path while figures in motion walk in the opposite direction near a tree at sunset.
Two people in formal attire walk together down a winding path through rolling hills at sunset.
A couple in wedding attire embraces on a hillside at sunset with mountain silhouettes in the background.
Hands with manicured nails embrace the back of someone wearing a beige suit jacket against an autumn backdrop.
Newlyweds embrace during golden hour in scenic mountain landscape at sunset while wearing formal wedding attire.
A couple in wedding attire sit on a hilltop overlooking mountains during golden hour sunset.
A romantic wedding couple sharing an intimate moment at sunset, with the bride wearing a white shawl and boutonniere.
Romantic couple embrace and kiss during sunset at their outdoor wedding with beautiful golden lighting.
Couple shares intimate moment at sunset with groom kissing bride's forehead while she holds his boutonniere.
A couple embraces during golden hour on a mountainside, with the bride wearing a white gown and fur shawl at their sunset wedding.
Wedding dress flowing in the breeze against a mountainous landscape at golden hour sunset.
A monochromatic landscape photo featuring silhouettes overlooking a mountainous vista with dramatic peaks and valleys.
A couple shares a joyful moment during their wedding photoshoot in front of majestic mountain scenery at sunset.
A bride and groom dance together at night with city lights twinkling in the background.
A couple shares an intimate moment on a balcony at night with city lights glowing in the background.
Golden sunlight illuminates a romantic dance between a couple in formal attire inside a rustic barn venue.
Black and white photo showing a blurred figure walking past a table setup with glassware and decorations against a brick wall.
People dining at an upscale restaurant with panoramic mountain views through large windows at sunset.
Black and white photo of a wedding reception speech with speaker in light suit at dining table indoors.
Diners enjoy a sunset meal at an upscale restaurant with panoramic mountain views through floor-to-ceiling windows.
People relaxing in a food court mall area with white tables and chairs visible in a black and white photograph.
A speaker stands in an open event space with stone walls and wooden tables during a gathering at sunset.
A black and white photograph shows a bartender interacting with patrons at a bar counter.
A white wedding sign with 'BRIDE' written in silver glittery letters sits on a wooden table with blurred lights in background.
Child wearing light blue sweater enjoying ice cream dessert at restaurant table with dreamy expression.
Elegant rustic wedding table setting with black napkins and Mr and Mrs sign against stone fireplace backdrop.
A bride reacts with joy and excitement during a candid wedding moment at a reception venue.
A bride in a white lace wedding dress laughs while looking at her phone during an evening reception.
A creamy dessert served in a glass with chocolate drizzle and whipped topping on a white plate.
Person seated at elegant dinner table with candles and place settings in evening lighting.
Two people stand together looking at a city skyline at night through large windows.
A black and white photo showing a couple cutting their wedding cake together at a rustic reception venue.
Elegant white wedding cake decorated with fresh flowers and a
Black and white photo of a bride in a white gown holding a bouquet while engaging with wedding guests at indoor reception.
A couple shares their first dance as newlyweds in an elegantly decorated reception venue with wooden beams and warm lighting.
A collection of black and white dance photos showing couples and groups dancing together at various events and celebrations.
A bride and her dance partner share an emotional moment during a dance at a wedding reception.
A couple share an intimate first dance in a rustic reception venue with candlelit tables in the background.
A couple shares a romantic dance together at a wedding reception in black and white photography.

THE PARTY